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The islands of divine music

Against a backdrop of Prohibition, the Vietnam War, and the new millennium, the Verbicaro family makes its way from southern Italy to San Francisco to the Yucatan, finding ways to reinvent themselves as each member brushes up against some aspect of the divine.

Abstract:

Against a backdrop of Prohibition, the Vietnam War, and the new millennium, the Verbicaro family makes its way from southern Italy to San Francisco to the Yucatan, finding ways to reinvent themselves as each member brushes up against some aspect of the divine.Read more...

Reviews

Editorial reviews

Publisher Synopsis

"Addiego has a good ear for dialog, drawing some compelling characters..." --Library Journal "With The Islands of Divine Music, John Addiego achieves a deft and graceful balancing act--a tender but unflinching fictional interface of pragmatism and passionate faith. As Addiego investigates the twentieth century American experience by way of southern Italian lore and Mexican mysticism, he delivers a novel that somehow manages to be both succinct and expansive, both grounded and otherworldly. I was moved and entertained by this truly original story."--Wally Lamb "Poignantly drawn...Addiego's lyrical prose and eye for detail bring Rosari's family to life in a way that feels rich and multidimensional. Reflecting the significant events and social movements of the past century through the lives of the Verbicaros adds yet another layer to this satisfying saga."--The Oregonian "At times funny and at others quite sad, Addiego succeeds in giving readers a thoughtful and amusing look at one hundred years of "history" through the eyes of the Verbicaro family. Islands of Divine Music will appeal to readers who enjoy the likes of Laura Esquivel and Sandra Cisneros."--bookbitch.com "One of those books you have to read to experience the nuanced details, the deft language, and the intriguing characters. Addiego's poetry background is felt in every page. Fortunately, he also has a novelist's knowledge of his characters. Even though The Islands of Divine Music is only 241 pages, it's a large story, but the scope of its characters is intimate... There is real heart in The Islands of Divine Music, and a sense of how lives brush up against one another, especially in a large family...Just like in our lives, there are many stories on the margins that are left untold, and add to a larger felt experience...you won't regret spending your time with the Verbicaro family and losing yourself in The Islands of Divine Music."--newwest.netRead more...